Smart starts search for disaster-warning mobile application

MANILA, Philippines - There is no doubt that the cellular phone has evolved from being a basic voice and data gadget and into a complicated feature-packed device for photos, music, and the internet. Soon, it may even save you from an approaching tsunami. Smart Communications, Inc., the Philippines' leading mobile phone firm, is tapping school-based talents for new a wireless application designed to help the public prepare for natural disasters. Smart public affairs manager for community partnerships Darwin Flores the phone company has teamed up with the Department of Science and Technology (DoST) in searching for the next practical mobile solution. “This year we received more than 76 entries submitted by teams from SWEEP (Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program) partner schools nationwide based on the theme “Strengthening Community-Based Emergency Management System," Flores told reporters on Tuesday. Finalists which have been chosen to come up with ten mobile applications for the competition are from the Ateneo de Davao Univeristy, Ateneo de Manila University, Bulacan State University, Systems Plus College, and the University of San Carlos. Designs include a global positioning system application which would allow easy location, search and rescue of disaster victims; an application which would detect household threats like intruders and fire; a typhoon forecasting system using Smart's base transceiver stations; and a tsunami detector. The SWEEP Innovation and Excellence Awards is Smart's way to uplift the level of technology and engineering education in the Philippines. It has been running for five years. Working models for the ongoing competition will be on display in March 2009. - GMANews.TV